Why Spotify could stop you listening to new music for free

We doubt she'll be this happy once her Spotify access has been restricted

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Spotify is reportedly considering a move that would restrict users from listening to new music for free.

The streaming service, which has an office in Cambridge, could change its terms so that new albums are only available to users with paid subscriptions, reports the Financial Times . At present anyone can listen to the entire Spotify catalogue free of charge, with adverts interspersed between songs, and the site has previously resisted moves to stop free access.

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It is thought the move has been mooted as part of discussions with major record labels, and that in return Spotify would pay reduced royalty payments. Don't worry too much though, the FT adds the move would only be temporary. For now.

Swedish firm Spotify, which is talking to the labels because it intends to go public soon, has more than 50m paid subscribers, and over 100m overall. Its site features more than 30m songs. Rival services, such as Apple Music or Google Play Music, don't offer subscription-free access.